The article analyses the characteristic features of “incoming” academic mobility as a component of the “soft power” policy of modern Russia. The author pays attention to the fact that in recent years the attraction of foreign applicants and students to domestic universities has become more systematic and differentiated. However, the author thinks that in such policy does not pay due attention to the development of social studies and humanities, which allow preparing specialists of “strategic” features (political scientists, sociologists, PR, analysts, ideologists, journalists). They, after a reasonably short time, will sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly affect the political and economic situation in their countries. It is especially important if we take into account the emerging trend in the early XXI century of virtualisation and humanisation of social and public life. Accordingly, the article discusses the main effects that Russia can get from the training of international students in humanities and social studies. The author also presents recommendations on working with international students in the framework of academic mobility and attracting foreign applicants to the humanitarian and social studies educational programs of Russian universities.